A recent study carried out by SunLife to determine how attitudes towards life changes when people reach 50 has had some remarkable results. The overall factor found that almost all of those questioned within the study felt an increased pressure to look good, with many opting for Cosmetic Surgery procedures to slow down the signs of ageing.
We now know that almost 250,000 British people have undergone some form of cosmetic surgery at the age of 50 or over but the good news is that those people approaching the big 5-0 admitted feeling ten years younger.
60% of the 50,000 who took part in the study said they were enjoying their life at 50 more so than when they were younger with 78% of them saying this was probably because their self-confidence had grown and they no longer cared what people thought of them.

Ian Atkinson of SunLife said: “While some over 50s are feeling the pressure to stay young, most don’t actually care what other people think and are happy just living their lives to the full. This includes making more of an effort to eat well and exercise more regularly than they did when they were younger which suggests that far from feeling ‘over the hill’, people aged 50 and over are making sure they are fitter than ever so they are free to do what they want to do. Some people still believe that turning 50 is something to worry about, that life slows down after that – but after conducting the UK’s biggest-ever study with 50,000 people over 50 we know that’s not the case at all: for many, life after 50 is the best time of their lives.”

Six out of ten of those taking part in the study said they began taking more notice of what they were eating while 46 per cent have started exercising more. One fifth said they had cut down on drinking since turning 50 and one in seven had stopped smoking.

For us within the Cosmetic Surgery industry we are not surprised by the research found. Our practice sees a whole range of ages coming through its doors but what we can say is that we recognise that as patients are approaching their 50’s they begin to take surgical steps to keep their looks youthful. Many younger people use Non surgical treatments like botox and fillers to give them the aesthetic appearance they wish however as people age and this skin becomes more lax, this becomes more increasingly difficult and sometimes surgery is the better and more permanent option.

*According to the ONS there were 23, 072,619 people aged 50 and over in the UK in 2015. One per cent of this number is 230,726.

When opting to undergo a cosmetic surgery procedure it is important to have considered your decision fully, as the surgeon in this article quite rightly says:

Realistic expectations are a must: Be practical in your expectations. Although cosmetic surgeons are capable of transforming serious cosmetic imperfections, that doesn’t make them magicians. “Be realistic about what you demand from your surgeon,” says Dr Rao.
Plan ahead of time: If you have a wedding coming up in a week, don’t wait until the 11th hour to knock on your cosmetic surgeon’s door. “Sometimes surgeries take a lot of time to heal. So it is important to ensure you have enough time on your hand,” states the doctor.

There could be complications: It is foolish to expect that cosmetic surgeries may not involve any complications. “It is like any other surgery,” says Dr Rao. One should follow all the protocols such as post-operative care to avoid infections and other risks associated with the surgery.

Results may take time: Don’t get impatient if the surgery doesn’t yield instant results. As mentioned earlier, cosmetic surgeons are not magicians who can make imperfections disappear in a jiffy. The human body takes its own time to adapt to the changes made by the surgeon.

Healthy lifestyle is a prerequisite: Dr Rao emphasises the importance of following a healthy lifestyle after cosmetic fixes such as fat reduction and liposuction. “Cosmetic surgery is not an alternative to a healthy lifestyle,” he stresses. Following proper diet and exercise regimens is mandatory if you want the effects of the procedure to last.

Not more than two procedures at a time: It’s easy to get carried away and want a whole lot of changes done to your body. “There are people who go in for multiple surgeries, but it’s not wise to go for more than two procedures at a time,” warns Dr Rao.

Communicate clearly: Cosmetic surgeons are truly skilled at what they do; however, their set of skills doesn’t involve reading the patient’s mind. There is no point in being upset at your surgeon if you hadn’t communicated clearly about your requirements in the first place. Be very clear about what you expect from the procedure well in advance.

Recently a group of American Plastic Surgeons disclosed all the weird and wonderful procedures that patients had requested over the years. In most cases the Surgeons declined to carry out the extreme surgeries however it is common for patients to share images of celebrities or features that they’d like their surgeon to re-create.
We often have to explain to patients that whilst the Duchess of Cambridges nose looks good on her, her nose may not necessarily look the same on someone else. The Duchess of Cambridge has whats’ often referred to as ‘a mathematically perfect nose’, it suits her bone structure and is balanced against her other facial features whereas a person with a different bone structure may suit a smaller, larger, wider or thinner nose.

The same applies with most procedures, a patient may ask for a 280cc Breast Implant at consultation because that’s what their friend has. Again their friends’ height, body shape and original breast size is likely to be different therefore in order to achieve a similar result a larger, smaller or different placement of implant maybe required.

They key to achieving a good result with Plastic Surgery or an Aesthetic Treatment such as Dermal Fillers is creating a feature or shape that enhances the individuals appearance. It is important to attend your consultation with an open mind, of course take along the photo you have in mind and discuss what you’d like to achieve but be guided by your Surgeon or Aesthetic Practitioner as to what is a realistic result. It is their responsibility to be honest, if your expectation is unrealistic he or she will usually say so and advice will be given as to what result could be achieved. It works both ways whilst you as a patient want a certain result your Surgeon or Injector wants to achieve a result to be proud of and one that he or she knows you will be happy with too.

If you are considering Cosmetic Surgery, I hold clinics in Warwick, Coventry and Nuneaton. For more information visit my website www.alanjpark.com or to make an appointment for a consultation call 07468 418 419

http://www.alanjpark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Mr-Alan-Park-Logo.jpg00katharinehttp://www.alanjpark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Mr-Alan-Park-Logo.jpgkatharine2016-11-04 14:44:042016-11-04 14:44:04The most requested Cosmetic Procedure according to a UK based study is the Duchess of Cambridges nose.

There weren’t many people that didn’t hear about the much publicised PIP Breast Implant scandal back in 2010. Thousands of women were affected although to what extent became difficult to judge due to record keeping at that time. Although not directly affected as I have never used the implants in question, I saw and still see patients whose original providers are no longer in business but want the implants removing for peace of mind mo…re than anything else. I see the launch of the National Breast Register as another welcome step towards the safeguarding and protection of our patients and would urge patients to confirm that their provider is registered in the scheme prior to surgery.

The register will be managed by the NHS to begin with and will initially be used for the collation of breast implant information although it is expected to be rolled out across all cosmetic implants over time including Calf and Buttock Implants.

I use Nagor implants for Breast Augmentation, all of Nagor’s products are manufactured in facilities compliant with the ISO 13485 standards and requirements demanded for class III sterile breast implant medical devices and in accordance with ISO and EN requirements and have CE mark certification. Nagor`s silicone breast implants are manufactured with high-performance silicone elastomer layers to improve and enhance the integrity of the outer shell, as well as a completely unique 360 degree barrier layer to minimise the possibility of gel diffusion and to maintain the shape of the implant. Their ranges have over 270 different options designed to find a perfect shape, size and lift for patients.

If you are considering a Breast Augmentation, I offer confidential consultations at clinics in Warwick, Coventry or Nuneaton. For more information visit my website www.alanjpark.com or call 07468 418 419 to book a consultation.

A recent article published has revealed the perfect face, the face is made up of the most popular features requested by patients attending consultations for facial plastic surgery

Nose – Duchess of Cambridge

Eyes – Keira Knightley

Eyebrows – Jennifer Lopez

Lips – Penelope Cruz

Cheeks – Angelina Jolie

Skin – Reece Witherspoon

Forehead – Miley Cyrus

Chin – Selena Gomez

Jaw line – Cher

It is important to be realistic with expectation when providing photos in this way, The Duchess of Cambridges nose for example is slim and fits perfectly with her slender facial proportions but may not suit a person with a rounder face for example. Scientists have confirmed that Kate’s nose, with its 106-degree nasal tip rotation (recent research shows that noses between 104-108 degrees in their orientation are the most beautiful) deserves a place on the world’s most perfect face.

It is extremely common for patients to attend consultations with images of celebrities whose features they would like to replicate. What is interesting with the facial features of almost all of these celebrities is that they are all very natural looking. This is something that has become more and more common over recent years, patients seem to steer away from the very surgically enhanced look and more towards discreet and less obvious enhancement.

Your consultation is an opportunity for you to discuss the result you would like to achieve, there is no harm in bringing along a photo of a feature you like but it is important to be realistic as a persons’ face is unique in size, shape and symmetry. A feature that may suit one person but may not suit another, Plastic Surgery is about creating an aesthetically pleasing result that suits that particular individual.

If you are considering a cosmetic procedure and would like to arrange a confidential no obligation consultation at one of my clinics in Warwick, Coventry or Nuneaton please call 07468 418 419 or for more information visit my website www.alanjpark.com

When attending your consultation, along with discussing your expectations and the result you wish to achieve you will also be asked a series of questions that relate to your medical health. It is important to answer these questions openly and honestly as these provide vital information for your surgeon and anaesthetist. Your responses to these questions will highlight any issues that will help assess your suitability for surgery and any issues that should be monitored whilst under anaesthetic and post surgically.

In order to assess your suitability for surgery your BMI will be calculated, to work out your BMI (Body Mass Index) you should divide your weight in Kilograms by your height in Metres then divide the answer by your height again. The NHS provide an online tool to help calculate this should you wish:

If your BMI is: below 18.5 – you’re in the underweight range, between 18.5 and 24.9 – you’re in the healthy weight range, between 25 and 29.9 – you’re in the overweight range and between 30 and 39.9 – you’re in the obese range.

Why is weight such an important factor when considering surgery?

Weight is a major factor when determining a patients’ suitability for surgery, not just for those who maybe overweight but for those underweight patients too. It is not uncommon for a surgeon to request a patient either loses or gains weight prior to surgery being undertaken. It is important to understand that this is for your own benefit, to ensure your body is in the optimum condition prior to surgery, so that your procedure is carried out with as little risk of complication as possible and to promote a speedy recovery post operatively.

Not only is it important that you are within the boundaries of a healthy weight for medical reasons but also from an aesthetic perspective too. Maintaining a stable weight and healthy diet post operatively will mean the result your surgeon has achieved is long term as any weight gain or loss following surgery will undoubtedly affect this result.

If you are considering surgery and would like to arrange a confidential no obligation consultation at one of my clinics in Warwick, Coventry or Nuneaton please call 07468 418 419 or for more information visit my website www.alanjpark.com

http://www.alanjpark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Mr-Alan-Park-Logo.jpg00katharinehttp://www.alanjpark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Mr-Alan-Park-Logo.jpgkatharine2016-08-26 18:05:402016-08-26 18:05:40What is the ideal weight for Plastic Surgery?

The schools are out and the holiday season has finally begun for many with thousands of Brits flying out to catch some summer sun over the next couple of months.

There is no better feeling than downing tools and switching the out of office on but whilst the idea of relaxing by a pool and sipping a cold beer or cocktail can’t come soon enough, for some people it is also a reminder to get beach ready and so the countdown begins to get in shape. Every persons’ idea of getting in shape is different, whether it’s losing a couple of stone, just a few pounds or toning up, the end goal is to feel confident in a bathing suit or shorts.

This article rings very true for me, I too have seen an increase in patients enquiring about body procedures specifically preparing for summer holidays, from Breast Surgery http://www.alanjpark.com/breast-surgery/ (Breast Enlargement, Breast Reduction, Mastopexy) to Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) http://www.alanjpark.com/body-contouring/tummy-tuck/and Liposuction , patients just want to feel body confident on the beach or by the pool.

I often hear the same complaint from many patients enquiring about body procedures, “it doesn’t matter what diet I choose or how much exercise I do, I just can’t shift it’ and so for many people no matter how many sit ups, squats or miles they run there are always going to be those stubborn areas that are tricky to get rid of. Those stubborn areas could be the result of weight loss, pregnancy, child birth, breast feeding or even just the natural make up of the body. My role as a surgeon is to listen to the concern, discuss the expectation and find the right option for each and every individual patient.

If you are considering Surgery and would like more information, please visit www.alanjpark.com or to arrange a consultation at one of my clinics in Warwick, Coventry or Nuneaton, please call 07468 418 419

http://www.alanjpark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Mr-Alan-Park-Logo.jpg00katharinehttp://www.alanjpark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Mr-Alan-Park-Logo.jpgkatharine2016-08-04 15:00:242016-08-04 15:00:24Increase in Brits opting for Cosmetic Surgery ahead of their holidays

Undergoing Cosmetic Surgery is a lifechanging decision, some patients choose only to discuss their plans for a procedure with those closest but one thing is for sure, it is important to have ‘someone’ to support you through your experience.

You may have grown up feeling self conscious of a body part or your decision maybe the result of weight loss or childbirth so those closest to you will generally be aware of how your confidence or body image has been affected and want to support you through your experience.

I always recommend that a friend or relative should come along to consultations with my patients, whilst they maybe asked to step outside during any personal examinations, it is always good for another person to be there and to hear the expectational advice and information given during the appointment.

We have strict guidelines as to the period of time given between the consultation and the booking of surgery to allow patients to discuss their thoughts and decision to proceed for exactly this reason, having a friend who has also heard the advice means they can give a subjective opinion, one that is not influenced by emotion. This period of time sometimes known as a ‘cooling of period’ is an opportunity to really gather thoughts, to ensure that patients are certain of what they are about to undertake and to even use support platforms and forums to read about other patients experiences. I offer my patients the option of speaking to one of my previous patients who has consented to talking with prospective patients, if they wish.

When patients do decide to proceed with surgery, it is good to have that support on the day of surgery and we insist that there is someone around for at least 24 hours following surgery in the event that patients require any assistance during their immediate recovery.

What to expect from the cosmetic surgery journey

Making an initial enquiry is an opportunity to ask questions, you will usually speak to the medical secretary so the advice will be non clinical however some background information will be gathered including date of birth, weight/BMI and the procedure of interest, an appointment will then be offered if appropriate.

The consultation will always be with me, the surgeon. It is an opportunity to discuss expectations and any concerns, to go through the patients medical history and for an examination to be carried out. At this stage patients will be given the relevant information about the procedure and the costs involved.

When patients have made the decision to proceed with surgery, several things will happen, an appointment will be made for a pre anaesthetic screening, some patients may require bloods to be taken prior to surgery, and advice will be given relating to medication being taken and any pre surgery guidance given that patients should be aware of.

On the day of surgery it is important to remember that each procedure is unique whether it be that the procedure will be carried out as a daycase or an overnight stay, using local or general anaesthetic. Patients will have been given as much information as possible prior to surgery however it is important to remember that if questions arise at any point, just to ask the team.

Patients recovery is almost as important as the surgery itself, following the guidance given is paramount to ensure a speedy and comfortable recovery. There will be a post-operative appointment made at discharge to see the nurses to remove any sutures if appropriate and you will see your surgeon in the coming weeks too. Contact information will be given should they be needed at any stage, whether for medical support or just to ask questions from an advisory and supportive perspective.

If you are considering Surgery and would like more information, please visit www.alanjpark.com or to arrange a consultation at one of my clinics in Warwick, Coventry or Nuneaton, please call 07468 418 419

http://www.alanjpark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Mr-Alan-Park-Logo.jpg00katharinehttp://www.alanjpark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Mr-Alan-Park-Logo.jpgkatharine2016-07-26 19:15:572016-07-26 19:15:57How important is it to have support when undergoing elective surgery?

In 2015 it was reported by BAAPS that over 51,000 cosmetic procedures were carried out, a 13 % increase compared to the previous year. Of those over 4,100 were carried out on men, almost twice the number compared to a decade ago.

One US Plastic Surgeon has reported the 5 most popular things males ask for when visiting his clinic, which I think apply in most practices, here’s my opinion.

Speed

I would agree with this in both male and female surgery, patients are always looking for a treatment that affects their day to day routine as little as possible, from the procedure itself to the speed of recovery.

‘A banging Body’

Whilst ladies tend to invest more in facial procedures, I would say men are more focused on procedures to their body for example liposuction fat removal techniques and male breast reduction although I think Facial Aesthetics is becoming more popular in male patients. This is probably because that stigma of having anti wrinkle treatments for example has become less and less over recent yearsTo look natural

Whilst a proportion of patients prefer their Cosmetic Treatments to be obvious I would say most are looking for a more natural look, this is shown particularly in the recent increase of ladies who are looking for more natural breast augmentation. These days everyone wants a natural look, so people can’t tell they’ve have a treatment, this is more so the case in male patients.

No Pain

The degree of pain involved in a treatment is always a key question in consultation, women I would say are more understanding of the pain for beauty scenario, whereas men are less so in my experience. Like with any operation there is always a degree of discomfort involved but our medical team are well versed in keeping this to a minimum with setting the expectation and providing pain relief to keep this under control. Most patients expect the worst and unaware of their own pain threshold so are usually surprised how well they cope post operatively or post treatment.To look younger

Whilst women in my experience seem to want to just slow or halt the ageing process, men want to look younger and more attractive – Non surgical treatments and fat removal are key in providing this.

If you are considering Surgery and would like more information, please visit www.alanjpark.com or to arrange a consultation at one of my clinics in Warwick, Coventry or Nuneaton, please call 07468 418 419

Liposuction was first introduced by French surgeon Dr. Yves-Gerard Illouz in 1982, providing a new option for individuals who wanted to get rid of unsightly fatty areas. Its elegance in simplicity and efficacy immediately brought it into the mainstream of plastic surgery. After three decades of use, liposuction remains one of the most popular procedures performed by plastic surgeons, accounting for 325,332 cosmetic surgical procedures in 2011, more than any other cosmetic procedure.

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure used to remove unwanted body fat.

It involves sucking out small areas of fat that are hard to lose through exercise and a healthy diet. Liposuction is carried out on areas of the body where deposits of fat tend to collect, such as the buttocks, hips, thighs and tummy. The aim is to alter body shape, and the results are generally long-lasting, providing you maintain a healthy weight.

Liposuction works best in patients who are a normal weight and in areas where the skin is tight.

How is Liposuction carried out?

A narrow metal tube is inserted through a small incision in the nearby skin. It is attached to a strong vacuum pump which is drawn back and forth within the area of excess fat. The process removes tunnels of fat leaving the small blood vessels and nerves intact. The skin will then retract.

There are some minor variants in the techniques. Some surgeons inject the area to be treated with solutions (wet or tumescent technique) others do not. Suction is usually applied with a powerful vacuum machine, but it is sometimes perfectly adequate to use a simple syringe for small areas. Ultrasound assisted lipectomy is another variant.

Any incisions will be sutured and you will be fitted with a pressure garment to aid the aesthetic result of your procedure.

Post Op Care

You should not plan to drive yourself home. It is recommended that you have a responsible adult at home with you on the day of surgery.

If you have had liposuction totally by local anaesthesia, you may resume your usual diet immediately. Drink adequate amounts of water, fruit juices or soft drinks to prevent dehydration. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages for 48 hours before surgery and 48 hours after surgery.

Quiet rest is recommended for the first few hours immediately after surgery. You may carefully resume exercise and vigorous physical activity 2 to 4 days after surgery. Most people can return to a desk job within one to two days after surgery, although one must expect to be sore and easily fatigued for several days.

If you are considering Liposuction and would like more information, please visit www.alanjpark.com or to arrange a consultation at one of my clinics in Warwick, Coventry or Nuneaton, please call 07468 418 419